Abstract

Experimental modal analysis (EMA) is one among other methods to analyze dynamics characteristics of the structure. EMA is used widely in structural, automotive engineering, design and machining proccess for determination of modal parameters. EMA measures excitation force and frequency response function of the structure in time domain and then converts these data into frequency domain using Fast Fourier Transfrom (FFT). In this research EMA is applied to analyze the dynamics characteristics of wood structures that would be used as stiffener for boxed shaped work-piece or as a frame for traditional wood ship. The availability of the characteristics dynamics' data for wood are limited, so EMA is very useful tool to determine modal parameters for specific wood structures.Experiments was conducted using modal hammer to excite the wood structure and an accelerometer to measurse the response of the structure as acceleration data. The data acquired by EMA are used to determine modal parameters of wood structure in the terms of natural frequency, mode shapes and damping ratio. The dimension of wood being analyze (length x width x height) is 860 mm x 50 mm x 50 mm. Simulation of modal analysis using finite element method was carried out as a comparison to the experimental data. Four points or locations along the wood's length are excited using modal hammer to get data for determination ofmodal parameters of the wood structure. Several curves such as FRF, amplitude and phase angle are presented for modal parameters determination. Analysis based on those curves provide the modal parameter of the structure. The natural frequencies of the first three modes of wood structures are 56 Hz, 334 Hz and 854 Hz. Damping ratio for those natural frequencies are 0,0178; 0,0139 and 0,012. The natural frequencies of the first three modes of wood structures from modal analysis simulation are 55,37 Hz,339,71 Hz and 921,71Hz.Differences between experimental and simulation results in term of natural frequencies are 1,13%; 1,71% and 7,93%.It could be said that experimental data fit to those of the simulation. Mode shapes of the wood structure found both from experimental and simulation are also the same. Coherencies of the experimental data are between 0,80 and 0,99. Those mean that the influence of noises on the measured data are small.

The Journal is published by The Institute of Research & Community Outreach - Petra Christian University. It available online supported by Directorate General of Higher Education - Ministry of National Education - Republic of Indonesia.